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Set it and forget it -- the enticing smell and warming aroma of a slow-cooker meal is perfect for fall. See which of these 51 Cheap and Easy Fall Recipes can be prepared in your slow cooker.

Our Picks

Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 Review

from $49

BestRead full review

Slow, steady cooking and a rich set of features, including a temperature probe, make this 6-quart programmable model a top choice.

Pros: Hundreds of reviewers sing the praises of this 6-quart programmable slow cooker (starting at $49, Amazon). Food is cooked thoroughly and evenly, according to Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 reviews on Amazon and Walmart.com, and users are rarely disappointed. They tell of setting the temperature to low, walking out the door, and returning home eight or nine hours later to a warm and perfectly cooked roast, stew, soup, pot of beans, or chicken in pasta sauce. Giddy reviewers without much practice in the kitchen report great success preparing healthy and flavorful meals without much effort.

CNET testers who evaluated five competing slow cookers, including three that sell at higher prices, determined that the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 retains heat extremely well, doesn't reach its maximum temperature too quickly, and finishes the job in the expected amount of time.

Cons: As with any product that has been available for quite a few years (with minor tweaks and updates) and garnered several thousand reviews, gripes surface here and there. Some reviewers complain that the outer shell of the unit gets way too hot. Others report that it just stops working after a few months of light use, and sometimes smack in the middle of cooking dinner. (What do you say to the family then?) One review on Target.com reports that a pot that was filled with frozen ribs, barbecue sauce, and liquid and set on high for six hours exploded all over, and another laments random failures that waste lots of ingredients. The CNET expert grumbles about the display design and multiple button pushes required to get the cooker going. Still, users crow that the budget price is hard to beat, especially given the pile-up of features and the cooker's versatility.

Features: As on other programmable slow cookers, users can choose the high or low heat setting and the desired cooking time; on this model the remaining time shows up on the digital display. Unlike other programmable cookers, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 can also function in manual mode, meaning users choose the desired heat setting and manually switch the unit to warm or off. The cooker automatically powers down after a total of 14 hours.

One unusual feature is the temperature probe, which monitors the internal temperature of a roast, chicken, and the like. A current temperature reading shows up on the display alternately with the chosen temperature. Once that point is reached, the unit automatically switches to warm mode. One reviewer lauds the benefits of the temperature probe for making soap in the slow cooker and others say it ensures moist and tasty pork shoulder, turkey breasts, and other large cuts of meat. A minor snafu, according to users, is the length of the probe: Apparently it's too short for small roasts.

The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 is fully loaded. The lid is made of tempered glass, comes with a gasket, and locks in place with wire clips. The handles are set wide and remain cool during cooking. Users can choose any of three cooking modes: high, low, and warm. The manufacturer says the 6-quart capacity of the oval stoneware crock can accommodate a 6-pound chicken or 4-pound roast. The lid and crock are dishwasher-safe.

Takeaway: Minor complaints aside, this is one slow cooker that demands full attention. A slightly older model, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33967, is also still available and may be cheaper than the 33969 model. The handles and lid top are different and the 33967 comes with a clip-on spoon, but otherwise the two are identical. Go with whichever design you prefer, or whichever price is lowest.

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Crock-Pot SCV400 Review

from $20

BestRead full review

This low-cost, 4-quart slow cooker is the right size for many families, especially those who prefer the simplicity of manual controls.

Pros: The Crock-Pot SCV400 (starting at $20, Amazon) is a basic, manual, 4-quart slow cooker that hits a sweet spot with reviewers. They like the very affordable price, absence of bells and whistles, mid-range size, and, of course, tasty results. In Crock-Pot SCV400 reviews on sites including Amazon, where the model earns an average of 4.4 stars from nearly 1,000 users, consumers report using it to poach pears, prepare a Thai recipe for soup with shrimp and curry, roast a small chicken surrounded by fresh vegetables, rustle up some shredded pork, and bake potatoes in the heat of summer.

This Crock-Pot appeals to busy families and is just the right appliance for a vacation home or camper. It yields leftovers for empty nesters without loading up the refrigerator with days' worth of the same meal, and it aligns with the capacity called for in many slow-cooker dessert recipes, according to one review.

Cons: While the vast majority of online reviews attest to its many feats, the Crock-Pot SCV400 also claims some critics. Several say the unit runs hot and overcooks ingredients to the point that they become inedible. Crock-Pot has responded to these reports by noting that the newer models reach a higher temperature (maximum 215 degrees) on both the high and low settings than older models, but "high" holds that temperature longer than "low." In general, food cooks faster in newer models. The company advises consumers who rely on older slow-cooker recipes to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Features: By all accounts, the Crock-Pot SCV400 is very user-friendly. It's a manual slow cooker with three heat modes -- low, high, and warm -- so users must take responsibility for turning the countertop appliance off when the cooking is done or switching to warm until serving time. (Tip: Do not cook on warm or let the food rest on warm for longer than four hours.) No one seems to have a problem following these instructions. Reviewers also say cleaning the crockery insert and glass lid is a breeze, either by hand with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher. The oval stoneware insert is microwave-safe and its 4-quart capacity is sufficient to feed four people and then some, depending on the dish and the appetites at the table. A round version starts at $16 and earns similarly high ratings on Walmart.com.

Takeaway: There's nothing fancy or high-tech about the SCV400, but Crock-Pot has settled on a design that has fed hordes of hungry people for more than a decade. Why tamper with a good thing?

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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry SCCPVL610-S Review

from $49

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Popular with consumers, this portable and programmable 6-quart model is user-friendly. Cooking time can be set in 30-minute increments.

Pros: The portable and programmable Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S (starting at $49, Amazon) stands out for its ease of use and flavorful results. On Amazon, nearly 2,800 reviewers award it an average of 4.2 stars out of 5. They say the gasket on the tight-fitting lid helps trap moisture, and the digital timer is a simple and welcome convenience.

Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S reviews also report that the 6-quart capacity leaves plenty to freeze for future meals. One reviewer notes that the edges of whatever is in the pot simmer slightly when on low, while the warm setting is just right for reheating leftovers. Another tells of setting the timer to roast a frozen cut of meat on high for three hours and letting it switch to low to finish the job.

Cons: The avalanche of 4- and 5-star ratings aside, there are things about the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry SCCPVL610-S that grate on some users. A bunch of reviews on the company site tell of problems with excessive heat, even when set on low for traditional slow-cooking dishes such as chili and soup. They say meats cook way too fast and emerge tough rather than tender. Crock-Pot has responded to these complaints by noting that newer models run hotter than older units, reaching a maximum 215 degrees regardless whether the setting is on high or low, and that cooking times may need to be reduced from what some recipes say.

Cracks, large and small, in the stoneware inserts and complete breakage are another source of irritation for consumers, largely because no replacement crock is currently available. Crock-Pot has not supplied any information about when that will change.

Features: There are three heat modes on the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry SCCPVL610-S: high, low, and warm. Cooking times can be set in 30-minute increments up to 20 hours, with a countdown readout on the display. The unit automatically switches to warm (165-170 degrees) after the designated cooking time has elapsed and holds at that setting for up to six hours. The portability features include clips that lock the lid in place, to prevent spills, and storage for the cord. The tempered-glass lid and crock are dishwasher-safe; the stoneware can also be used in the oven or microwave. With a 6-quart capacity, the oval-shaped Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S serves seven or so people and can hold a 6-pound roast. Crock-Pot also makes a manual version of this cooker, the SCCPVL600-S, which has the usual three heat settings and the same Cook & Carry features, and sells for about $30.

Takeaway: Hundreds of consumers are totally satisfied with this model, and it's hard to argue against the crowd. But the lack of replacements for a key component and a feature set that lags the offerings on the competing Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 relegate the Crock-Pot SCCPVL-610S to a second-tier finish.

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Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 Review

from $25

GoodRead full review

A good choice for frugal cooks, this 6-quart manual slow cooker boasts accurate heat settings and features designed for portability.

Pros: The Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 (, Amazon) is a portable and manual slow cooker. In reviews by more than 750 users on Amazon and BestBuy.com combined, it garners praise for a variety of virtues, ranging from price, functionality, and simplicity to design features and performance.

Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 reviews say the two cook settings are accurate and the contents stay warm whether resting in the kitchen or in transit to an event. One user crows that the results offer proof of nascent cooking skills, and another keeps one in a camper to cook up beef stew and pulled pork while out and about. Others value the comfortable handles and latched lid, which let them carry a full, 6-quart cooker to potlucks without worry about spills. And many tell of affirmatively choosing a no-frills manual model partly for the price and partly because, well, who needs all that digital functionality? Equally important, reviewers appreciate being able to prepare low-cost and low-effort meals for their families.

Cons: Like the other cheap slow cookers we researched, the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 presents its share of flaws. The lid should remain unlatched while food is cooking, according to the user's manual, but reviewers say it doesn't sit tightly otherwise. Some also caution that a huge head of steam pours out when opening the hinged lid. A few insist that the cooker runs too hot and burns the edges of the contents even when the heat is set to low, and a handful grumble about the gasket retaining odors.

Features: This model, like most slow cookers in its 6-quart class, is oval-shaped and can accommodate a 4-pound roast or 6-pound chicken. Designed to travel, it has a single clip that latches over the lid to secure it to the base and then holds it open for serving. Stay-cool handles snap up for carrying and fold down for storage. The three manual settings, controlled by a dial in the front, are high, low, and warm; users can also select off. The stoneware insert and lid are dishwasher-safe.

Takeaway: Basic, dependable, and user-friendly is the consensus among reviewers on this manual slow cooker. Several have acquired multiple Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 units over the years, sometimes to replace a worn-out one and sometimes just for the extra capacity. For the price, it's hard to go wrong.

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Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum MST-900 Review

from $29

Think TwiceRead full review

This slow cooker earns decent user reviews, but most families will find its 8.5-quart capacity too large for frequent use.

Consumers who regularly feed a family the size of a sports team or attend potlucks every week will find plenty to like in the Elite Platinum MST-900 by Maxi-Matic (starting at $29, Amazon). Everyone else may find it a bit too much.

Pros: This giant 8.5-quart manual slow cooker garners an average of 4 stars from more than 400 reviews on Amazon and Walmart.com, where users share enthusiasm for its capacity and performance. There are a lot of "love it" and "great" comments sprinkled throughout. One reviewer tells of loading the pot with a 4-pound roast, 5 pounds of potatoes, and plenty of carrots and onions. Others simply say the Elite Platinum MST-900 turns out a mean stew and everything else a slow cooker is designed to make. One reviewer claims to have tested the temperatures on the warm, low, and high settings and pronounced them to be on the mark, at 160, 210, and 225 degrees.

Cons: On the other hand, a vocal minority complain about both performance and build quality. A number of posts grouse about the absence of a gasket on the lid, which may be related to comments about lids not fitting properly. Liquid contents and condensation leak out over the top and from under the lid, reviews say, which not only makes a mess but also leads to parched results. Another group of gripes concerns excessive heat, both inside and outside the slow cooker. The first circumstance causes a dish to dry out, critics write, and the second makes the small handles way too hot to touch despite specs that call them cool-touch. A handful say the metal shell feels tinny, the cooking crock cracks, and durability is limited.

Features: Nothing fancy or unusual here. The Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum MST-900 is a basic, entry-level, manual slow cooker with the usual warm, low, high, and off settings. The 8.5-quart model is oval-shaped and comes in both a red, brushed stainless steel (MST-900R) and a sometimes slightly less expensive silver (MST-900D). The cooking insert is stoneware and the lid is made of tempered glass. Both the crock and lid are dishwasher-safe.

Takeaway: The Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum MST-900 is no doubt a good buy at its starting price. But consumers should think twice before placing it in their shopping cart, either in a store or online. Absent a very large family, the 8.5-quart capacity makes it impractical for frequent use. Slow cookers are at their best when at least half full with raw ingredients; trying to prepare smaller amounts of food is guaranteed to produce disappointing results.

Buying Guide

The idea of slow cooking food has been around almost as long as humanity's ability to make fire. Although taste for this technique diminished as technology and the domestic arts evolved, interest in slow cooking has revived in recent years. The modern demand for convenience is fueling demand for slow cookers: Just throw a few ingredients into the pot, turn it on, and dinner is ready several unattended hours later. To help the harried, Cheapism.com devoted hours to reading expert and user reviews to come up with the best cheap programmable and manual slow cookers costing $50 or less.

Cheap Slow Cookers Buying Guide

Our cheap slow cooker picks are no-muss/no-fuss kitchen gadgets that produce moist, flavorful meals, from roasts to stews to soups and desserts. At the top of our list are the programmable Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 (starting at $49), which stands out for its rich feature set and strong performance, and the manual Crock-Pot SCV400 (starting at $20), a very basic model that delivers on performance and carries a very low price tag. Falling in right behind are the programmable Crock-Pot Cook & Carry SCCPVL610-S (starting at $49), on the strength of its portable design and convincing reviews, and the manual Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 (starting at $25) for its user-friendliness and portability. All are backed by one-year warranties.

We always look out for models that shoppers should think twice about purchasing, but the vast majority of low-cost slow cookers receive decent reviews -- and scores of them. Ultimately we focused on the manual Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum MST-900 (starting at $29), not due to poor reviews but primarily because of its humongous 8.5-quart size. For frugal consumers who watch every penny that goes out the door, it's hard to justify a space-hogging countertop appliance that holds enough for 10 or more people and would be called into service on rare occasions only.

Our search focused mostly on 6-quart models that feed six or seven people, on the assumption that busy home cooks don't mind leftovers and occasionally want a dish large enough for a potluck or tailgate. We also looked for the best entry-level 4-quart model, because some people just don't need to prepare that much food at once.

Slow cookers provide welcome relief from the "When's dinner ready?" refrain and can be a confidence builder for novice cooks. These small kitchen appliances also are a boon to frugal cooks, because they have a near magical way of tenderizing cheaper, tougher cuts of meat. And even in the depths of summer, it's possible to cook up a hot meal without heating up the kitchen.

The original slow cooker design became popular in the early 1970s and proved so effective that today's models differ only slightly. The aesthetics and functionality are remarkably similar, with but a few modern embellishments, most notably electronic controls that widen the range of things a slow cooker can do. Manual models with simple "high," "low," and "warm" settings are still widely available, remain popular, and are cheaper than programmable models. Cookers with digital controls can be configured to switch cooking modes automatically after a given period of time, and some can be set to cook at specific temperatures and adjust as the hours tick by. The newest feature on select higher-end Crock-Pots is an app that connects the cooker with personal electronic devices and achieves such feats as announcing to the family that dinner will be served at 7 p.m. sharp. Features designed for portability -- transiting from the kitchen to a PTA meeting or family reunion, say -- such as carry straps and/or clips to hold the lid in place are showing up on more and more models.

Slow Cooker Brands.

Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach dominate the slow-cooker market, particularly at the entry level. They produce both manual and programmable cookers at prices ranging between $13 and $150. The vast array of models are variations on several themes -- that is, the features are the same but the capacity differs, or outward appearance is the same but one version is manual and another is digital, or one version is meant to stay put and a companion model sports take-along features. For example, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33967 is virtually identical to the more recent model 33969 but for the handle and lid design, which some consumers prefer. Crock-Pot even sells cookers distinguishable merely by the name and logo of professional and collegiate sports teams emblazoned on the exterior.

Farther up the price ladder are slow cookers bearing labels such as Cuisinart, KitchenAid, All-Clad, Breville, and Ninja. Their lineups are comparatively limited but include models with more features designed to deliver an extra dollop of convenience.

Slow Cooker Reviews

It's not the bells and whistles but the end results, in terms of taste, texture, and "finish" (Is the food cooked through? Is it burnt?), that distinguish the best slow cookers from the also-rans. Frugal consumers can breathe easy: Consumer Reports has concluded that higher price does not equate to improved performance in this product category. Rather, hefty price tags are more a reflection of added features. Experts at Good Housekeeping, Cook's Illustrated, The Sweethome, and CNET have tested some of the models on our list against pricier units and generally concur that imperfections are endemic to the category regardless of make or model.

To further gauge the performance of slow cookers under $50, we turned to slow cooker reviews on retail sites including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Best Buy, as well as on manufacturers' websites. Despite occasional gripes about overcooked food, hairline cracks in the crocks, or units that failed even with minimal use, the vast majority of consumers seem thrilled with the user-friendliness, low prices, and overall value of our top picks -- all of which garner hundreds of 4- and 5-star reviews. Many consumers report giving these one-pot wonders a workout several times a week.

Slow Cooker Reviews

It's not the bells and whistles but the end results, in terms of taste, texture, and "finish" (Is the food cooked through? Is it burnt?), that distinguish the best slow cookers from the also-rans. Frugal consumers can breathe easy: Consumer Reports has concluded that higher price does not equate to improved performance in this product category. Rather, hefty price tags are more a reflection of added features. Experts at Good Housekeeping, Cook's Illustrated, The Sweethome, and CNET have tested some of the models on our list against pricier units and generally concur that imperfections are endemic to the category regardless of make or model.

To further gauge the performance of slow cookers under $50, we turned to slow cooker reviews on retail sites including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Best Buy, as well as on manufacturers' websites. Despite occasional gripes about overcooked food, hairline cracks in the crocks, or units that failed even with minimal use, the vast majority of consumers seem thrilled with the user-friendliness, low prices, and overall value of our top picks -- all of which garner hundreds of 4- and 5-star reviews. Many consumers report giving these one-pot wonders a workout several times a week.

What We Considered

Manual vs. Programmable Slow Cookers.

Manual slow cookers, including the Crock-Pot SCV400 and Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 on our list, are controlled with a dial or knob. They have two heat settings (high and low) and a warm mode. Manual slow cookers require a certain amount of monitoring; if a recipe calls for eight hours on low, someone must be present to switch the knob to warm when that time has elapsed -- otherwise, good-bye dinner. Not surprisingly, reviewers who are not home for a good portion of the day or have erratic schedules find this low-tech approach to be a major hassle.

Programmable slow cookers, such as the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 and Crock-Pot Cook & Carry SCCPVL610-S, are controlled electronically and can be programmed to switch automatically from low or high to warm after a preset number of hours. These models also display the time remaining on the front panel. (Upscale slow cookers offer more programmable options, such as delayed start, switching from one heat mode to another, and cooking at specific temperatures.) One nifty feature on the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget is a probe that's inserted into a roast or pot of stew to monitor the internal temperature and signal the cooker when to shift to warm based on the programmed instructions.

Capacity and Shape.

Modern slow cookers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are typically round or oval (a handful are oblong) and the shape often corresponds to capacity: Smaller slow cookers are almost always round, and larger units are almost always oval.

Capacity can be as large as 8.5 quarts and as small as 16 ounces (these units function more as "warmers" for foods such as gravies and dips). Although additional capacity doesn't do much to price, choosing a slow cooker that's too large will lead to disappointing results. There must be enough ingredients in the pot to prevent overcooking; optimal results are achieved when a slow cooker is about two-thirds full. High-capacity slow cookers also take up vital countertop real estate and can be hard to store in kitchens without a large cupboard.

Experts generally suggest a 1-quart-per-person rule for home use, and user reviews suggest this guideline yields generous portions. In other words, an 8.5-quart slow cooker, such as the Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum MST-900, is meant to feed a crowd. The 1.5-quart Proctor Silex 33015Y (starting at $18) manages a single serving of whatever, with leftovers for another day, making it a good slow cooker for one. Overfill it, though, and the contents may not cook through or seep out the top. An oval 6-quart slow cooker, like three of our four top picks, is generally a good size for families, and the shape can accommodate a 6-pound chicken or a 4-pound roast. Some users are so enamored of slow cooking that they own multiple slow cookers of varying sizes.

Components.

The traditional slow cooker comprises a crockery insert within a metal shell that houses an electric heating element on the bottom. A tight-fitting lid traps the heat and moisture. Some slow cookers, such as the West Bend 84905 (starting at $40), add a twist to what is basically a very simple appliance. Besides cooking foods at low temperatures for a long time with moisture, to help tenderize and seal in flavor, they can be used on the stovetop and in the oven; some also can go into the freezer. The cooking vessel is metal with a non-stick lining and sits atop a separate heating element, which by itself serves as a griddle. Reviewers say they like the versatility of these "multicookers," and many say they've been loyal fans for years.

The stoneware crock (metal in the case of the West Bend 84905) and clear, tempered-glass lid on most slow cookers are dishwasher-safe, but users attest that cleanup by hand with hot soapy water proceeds quickly. The handles are supposed to be cool to the touch, as is the knob or handle on the lid, and usually covered in plastic. On the best cheap slow cookers, the handles extend far enough from the cooking vessel to keep hands safely away from the heat.

The models designed to be portable (with proprietary names such as Stay or Go and Cook & Carry) feature a mechanism that locks the lid securely in place to prevent leaks. The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry SCCPVL610-S uses metal clips that extend from the handles to the lid, and the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 has a clip that straps across the entire lid. A rubber gasket helps seal in moisture and prevent leakage, but some users gripe that the gasket retains odors that are off-putting and transfer to other dishes. Some slow cookers not designed for carryout may also include a gasket and/or clips for the lid.

Usability.

Slow cookers are considered to be among the safest of cooking appliances. There's no open flame and temperatures rarely reach the boiling point. That said, it's generally a good idea to put the slow cooker on a heat-proof surface, such as marble, steel, or ceramic tile, when in operating mode. Although slow cookers are designed to keep the heat in, the outside often gets hot, according to reviews. It's a good idea to keep children out of the way, and beware when opening the lid -- the slow cooker may unleash a torrent of very hot steam.

Consumers almost universally commend the user-friendliness of the entry-level slow cookers we researched. Gripes about understanding the controls are almost nonexistent, although CNET testers say the multi-step button-pushing routine on the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 33969 is tedious. Still, scores of reviewers who had never cooked before, are adjusting to living alone, or are balancing work and family relish the ease of throwing together a handful of ingredients, walking away, and returning to consistently flavorful meals.

Additional Products We Considered

Proctor Silex 33015 Review

from $18Read full review

Pros: The Proctor Silex 33015Y (starting at $18, Amazon) is a diminutive manual slow cooker that scores enthusiastic reviews on Amazon. Users laud the compact size and versatility, saying it holds just the right amount for two and leaves a one-person household with leftovers. According to reviews, it comes in handy for consumers who lack access to a kitchen (do you work in an office or live in a dorm?) and serves as the perfect vessel for steel-cut oats that cook overnight to be enjoyed at breakfast. One review says it handily replaces a pressure cooker for making soup; another reports its suitability for rice dishes or a chicken and veggie dinner; yet another relies on it when preparing gravy for large family dinners; and a hobbyist uses it for making soap. This is a manual slow cooker without a timer, a factor that one user deems only a slight inconvenience. The solution provided by this DIY type: Connect the unit to a timer and the timer to an outlet.

Cons: We came across a bit of low-level grumbling about one thing or another. Among the nearly 800 reviews on Amazon, which average 4.5 stars out of 5, are comments about inadequate heat (forget trying to cook lentils, grouses one reviewer), excessive heat (rice cooked way too fast, reports another), leakage out the top due to ill-fitting lids, and total product breakdown after limited use.

Features: The Proctor Silex 33015Y is a miniaturized version of a large, fully functional slow cooker. This round, white, 1.5-quart model features the standard three heat settings (high, low, and warm) found on entry-level slow cookers, as well as an off option. The removable stoneware insert and clear, tempered-glass lid are dishwasher-safe; the crock also can be used to store leftovers in the refrigerator. The side handles and grip on the lid are meant to stay cool to the touch.

Takeaway: Given the model's performance and what passes for a decent array of features in this bottom segment of the market, the Proctor Silex 33015Y is the right choice for anyone seeking an inexpensive, very small, and dependable slow cooker.

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West Bend 84905 Review

from $40Read full review

Pros: The West Bend 84905 (starting at $40, Amazon) is a multicooker which, like others of its ilk, offers home cooks an extra helping of versatility and convenience above standard slow cookers. West Bend 84905 reviews posted on Walmart.com and Amazon show strong consumer acceptance of this countertop appliance that can go from stovetop to oven to freezer with stops in between to slow cook a meal. Reviewers say this entry-level model is user-friendly, light enough for an elderly woman to lift when full, and capable of producing toothsome ribs, tasty vegetable soup, moist chicken, and tender roasts.

Contented users prefer this variation on the slow-cooker theme (and many are longtime devotees) for several reasons. They appreciate the time and effort saved by browning meat on the stovetop right in the slow-cook pot before assembling and cooking the rest of the dish. They favor the metal pot, which, unlike stoneware slow-cooker inserts, doesn't break if it happens to drop. And in the case of the West Bend 84905, they welcome the range of temperature options beyond the simple high, low, and warm found on traditional slow cookers.

Thanks to the no-stick coating, users report, the pot is easy to clean. Collectively, users award the West Bend 84905 an average of more than 4 stars out of 5 on review sites.

Cons: What some reviewers aren't so wild about is how hot the unit gets -- including the handles, warn a few. The handles also seem small to several reviewers. Comments about odd staining inside the pot, coating that flakes, and a thin, tinny feel occasionally surface. Ditto for ill-fitting lids and defective plugs.

Features: This is a 5-quart manual slow cooker with an oblong shape (straight sides, rounded corners). The heat comes from a separate base that can be used as a griddle. There are five temperature settings -- high, medium, low, and two levels of warm (the lowest meant for warming breads and baked goods) -- but users can set the dial anywhere in between the numbered options for finer control. The pot and glass lid are dishwasher-safe, but alternatively can be cleaned by hand with hot, soapy water.

Takeaway: Compared with other models that moonlight as multicookers from brands such as Cuisinart and Ninja, the West Bend 84905 is an outright bargain. The higher-price competitors are programmable and offer more functionality, but the West Bend 84905 is a solid buy for frugal consumers who want the flexibility to brown or sauté without dirtying another pan and reheat leftovers in the oven or on the stove and don't mind the need to be present when the expected cooking time has elapsed.